Nutrition: Exactly What do we Need and How Much?

We all know the importance of order Isagenix and a healthy diet. Not only does it have various health benefits such as keeping chronic illnesses at bay, but research shows that our nutrition levels have a big impact on the aging process. Unfortunately, the fact is that most of us do not get all the nutrition we need in our daily intake. There are two reasons for that:

1. Our food quality is not what it used to be, there’s a lot of junk out there, especially when it comes to take away and other processed foods. The golden rule here is to read the label carefully; if it contains more than five names you don’t know what it actually is or other known chemicals, you should stay clear.

2. We don’t actually know what nutrients we really need and what the quantity of our daily intake should be.

So, here’s the ultimate guide to nutrition; what you REALLY need, how much and where you can get it.

· Calcium

As children, we need Calcium to build bones and teeth. As adults, we need Calcium to maintain bone density. You need at least 1136 milligrams a day. You can get Calcium from dairy products, fish (but only those with bones), dark, leafy greens, beans (such as soy beans) and oatmeal. If you have to snack on-the-run, almonds will give you that quick Calcium kick you need.

· Fibre

There is often a misconception that the main function of fibre is for your digestion. But fibre is much more important than that. Fibre helps reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. You need at Isagenix nutritional products Eat fruits, whole grains, vegetables, seeds, nuts and legumes for your optimal fibre boost.

· Magnesium

Magnesium is Calcium’s partner when it comes to maintaining bone density. It also helps to maintain normal muscle and nerve functions. If your energy levels are feeling low the reason is probably that you have a Magnesium deficiency. You need 380 milligrams a day. Sources of Magnesium are fish (especially halibut), seeds, nuts, bran, vegetables (especially pumpkin), and for those Vegans out there; Tofu is full of Magnesium.

· Potassium

If you have problems with your blood pressure, you need to ensure that you get enough Potassium. You need 4044 milligrams a day. Sources include starches such as potatoes, sweet potatoes and white-and soy beans. Other sources include bananas and yoghurt. Are you an avid Bolognese fan? Eat up! Tomato paste and puree are great for your Potassium intake. If you want to get a quick boost, cut some bananas, mix with yoghurt and you have the ultimate Potassium breakfast.

· Vitamin A

Vitamin eye is important for your eye sight and overall immune system. If you’re pregnant you especially need it for embryonic development, since it promotes cellular growth. Even a medium sized sweet potato will give you more than 100% of your daily intake. This is where your carrots also come into play; orange vegetables are a great source of Vitamin A. Also green, leafy vegetables are full of Vitamin A.

· Vitamin C

This master cleanse recipe is well-known for its disease-fighting characteristics. This is because it contains natural anti-oxidants. It also helps to maintain the immune system as well as fixing it. What many don’t know is that it also helps to build collagen. Collagen is a protein that connects body tissue. Collagen forms part of all major parts of the body such as blood vessels, cartilage and muscle as well as bones. You need about 75 milligrams a day. Sources are fruits and vegetables (especially citrus fruits), red and green peppers, kiwis and guavas. A good way to make sure that you get a quick intake is to make yourself a breakfast salad.

· Vitamin E

Vitamin E is the partner of Vitamin C when it comes to disease-fighting, since it also contains natural anti-oxidants. It has also been linked to improving eye sight. This is recommended to people suffering from diseases such as cancer because it fights damage to the cells. You need 15 milligrams a day. Good sources of Vitamin E include some ready-to-eat cereals, some oils, almonds, greens (especially turnips and spinach) and tomato paste. A good habit to form in order to get your Vitamin E intake is to start making yourself peanut butter sandwiches as snacks during the day.

· The low-down on Berries

Berries need a nutritional sub-heading all of its own. And with good reason. These little bursts of flavor contain most of all the nutrients you need. Berries have also proven to be the miracle all-in-one solution to aging healthy and gracefully. If we delve a little deeper research has found that especially raspberries are very high in natural anti-oxidants, contains a lot of fiber and very little natural sugar. Blackberries and their cousin, Marionberries, come in a short second.

When all is said and done, we’ll still worry that we are not getting enough nutrition, and therefor many of us will turn to supplements. But do these actually work? Let’s face it, the nutritional supplement industry rakes in BILLIONS every year, so is it just another business feeding off our fears? The short and healthy answer is; STAY AWAY! If not specifically prescribed by a professional (who knows what they’re doing), you should rather go the natural route.

Truth is, they can do more harm than good. Researchers followed more than 35 000 men in a clinical trial that lasted over a decade. During this trial they were given selenium and vitamin E supplements. The trial was soon called to a halt when they found that these supplements actually increased chances of developing prostate cancer. Further research proved that the supplements DID NOT have any effect on your daily nutritional intake. Our trust in these “easy-way-out” solutions are merely a result of excellent marketing.

Nutrition and eating healthy can seem like a daunting task, and often leaves the impression of tasteless food you have to force down. But this is not the case. And you don’t need a dietician. Empowered with the right knowledge, you can create and maintain a nutritional lifestyle all by yourself.